Started that job last week and I already get into shows for free. Look at me bein’ Mr. Rockshow Tuff and swaggering into venues like I own the place.

It’s funny, though. Even though I work for the label that the headliner is on and the guy who owns the label (my boss) was at the show, I still got hassled by the venue’s sound guy for not having documented permission to tape. Admittedly, he was right… you shouldn’t assume that you can just tape whomever you please. In fact, I’ll quote him because even though he came off as hostile and a bit mean, I think what he said is probably the general consensus of venue staff in regards to the taping community (however true or untrue it might be):

I resent the attitude that tapers have. That they just walk into a venue with their gear and think it’s their right to tape, as if they have carte blanche over the situation.

After the show I apologized and told him that next time I tape at The Crocodile I’ll make sure I have documented permission (and if I don’t I guess I’ll just stealth it).

In any case, last night’s show was good. The opener, Tiny Vipers, was a little shaky and odd to watch. I’ve seen her play before but she seemed nervous or maybe she was just trying some new songs because her guitar playing was really hit and miss. Following her was another local act, The Fleet Foxes. Their sound reminds me of Crystal Skulls a good deal… they’re a decent group. The final opening act was The Can’t See, John Atkins’ new band. I’d seen them play just recently at Neumo’s and this performance was just as good if not better than the previous. Some really nice hooky pop coming from those guys.

The Six Parts Seven are one of my all-time favorite instrumental acts. I like that they make post-rock that doesn’t have to be confrontational and boisterous in order to be genuine. I think that too many post-rock groups try too hard to be the next Godspeed (or, more recently, Explosions In The Sky) without first seeing if there is something new or different they can try.

17 Responses to “The Six Parts Seven, Fleet Foxes – 2006-05-21”

Thanks for going through the hassle to record this show. While I can understand the soundguy’s issue, and Jim is a real pro, keep in mind that he also stands to lose out from tapers since he charges bands if they want a recorded copy of their show at the Croc. If others are taping, then his “product” loses value.

Yeah I understand that a lot of soundguys do that and I know that they’re looking out for their own interests (the mics installed at The Croc are nicer than mine anyway).

I also know that he just wants to make sure the band isn’t getting the shaft since he doesn’t know me or what kind of person I am. There are some tapers who aren’t as honest and will use their tapes for financial benefit (though, those sorts of tapers are usually of the stealth variety in my experience).

Jim used to be cool to tapers, but in the past few years he’s turned into a real prick about it. He’s even gone so far as to try and charge me for a SBD feed after the band gave me permission to tape. Apparently the only taper in his good graces now is the one who helped him with his hip surgery.

Dr. John? Is he the guy that used to get SBD access almost everywere? I think Shaggy/Andy knows him. Of course, I may be thinking of the wrong guy.

I have stealthed at the Croc for 11 years. I’ve never sold one of my recordings either. My set-up has always been stealth which is how I prefer it. Plus, I don’t like to talk to the band or management as I’m kind of shy.

Thanks for doing all these shows. I appreciate it. Although every file of The Can’t See appears to be track 1, or I’m dumb. You don’t need to answer that question.

Dr. John — kind of a tall, balding guy. He does get SBD access everywhere, and some of the other tapers complain that he screws up their recordings when they chain off the board. He was supposedly creating some kind of library of this stuff, but he’s not much of a sharer. One friend got a couple of shows off of him, but that’s about it.

I have no problem with Dr. John, and he’s a nice enough guy to chat with at shows. But his methods of gaining access are a bit suspect, and sometimes that makes it harder for other tapers who legitimately get permission and are friendly and polite to soundguys. It’s really only a problem at the Croc, so I just don’t tape there any more.

Yep, I’ve talked to Dr. John as well. Does he still tape? I used to see him at a bunch of shows, but haven’t noticed him lately. Of course, I don’t get out as much as I used too. I talked to him at Badly Drunk Boy at the Croc in like 2000. He was taping in the audience. Then I noticed he had board access for several shows, but I could never get him to bite for any of his shows. Nor could I ever get a chain off of him. I just steer clear of him now.